Thank you to all those who have told me to start writing Lindsay Likes again. The problem at hand with my writing is that I think of things to write late at night just as I'm falling asleep. Sometimes I get up and write notes and other times I just shut my eyes and let the thoughts mix with so many others floating around in my head. My goal starting this Spring is to allow myself the time to write down these thoughts and not to leave them in my mind. With that being said, last week I wrote down a stream of consciousness between the hours of 1:00 and 2:00am. Below is my unaltered notes from that night covering a topic that I come back to over and over. This will not be the last time you see this theme in my writing because it's one of the backbones of what makes me tick. Read on and I will work on bringing some life back to Lindsay Likes...
Recorded on my notes app on my phone at 1:43am, March 12th, 2013:
We all want to spread good and we can. Acts of goodness do not have to be big. In this busy world where many people want to help others, many believe they just don't have the time. But even a thank you, a smile, taking a few minutes of the day for oneself-even these can impact others positively. When we take time for ourselves we are happier, more patient and more giving. When we say thank you maybe we remind someone else to do the same.
There are endless ways to spread good. Truly, there's something for everyone to do to make it happen. And, this is what people need to understand. It's not always about how much or how often, but the act of doing something good at all. Once we do good we can't get enough; we want to do more. Spread good by doing what you do best. What's your calling, your signature trait, your hobby, your profession, your greatest accomplishment, your routine-there's a part of you that's already spreading good. Just realize what it is and spread it. You will shine and by that, you will give others the confidence to shine too. It's not some time-consuming thing to do. It's taking something that's already part of you and sharing it, actually spreading it around.
Every act matters and every person too. I promise it's simple and really quite effortless. I want every person to believe they can make a difference and I want them to know the simple ways in which they can.
Lindsay Likes to Spread Good
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Friday, May 25, 2012
Lindsay Likes...To Remember
The house I grew up in was recently torn down. I drove by the lot and found nothing left. Not a tree in sight. Nothing but a large patch of Oklahoma red dirt. From a distance I could see the backyard and I could almost see myself playing there in my fort or on the green swing set that my Dad had made from pipe. In just a few seconds, I can remember so much that happened at that house on Blue Sage Road.
Some of my memories of the house are the birthday parties like the Dress Up Like Mommy one, the holidays, the time my sister and I spent playing make believe when I was her little Piglet, or playing with our gerbils in the sun room and the pac-man machine in the garage. Then there was the bike riding in the driveway, the time I looked in the hall mirror and discovered my eyes had suddenly changed from blue to green. I can also remember sitting at the dinner table, taking bubble baths in my parents' bathtub and bumping up and down the steps(no Mom we didn't fall through the cracks).
My memories of the house on Blue Sage include so much more than the stones and beams and walls of the home. But remembering the house for me keeps a part of the past somehow more present, if that even makes sense. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I like remembering things. Often we take for granted our memory because it seems like our past is almost present. We can recall images and feelings; see pieces of our own histories play out in our minds and be reminded with just a thought of someone we once knew. When we want to and our health allows us we can figuratively take a walk down memory lane with almost no effort at all. It's like magic to me.
Of course, remembering the past can for some people be both a blessing and a curse. Things may happen that would be better forgotten. Or, without even realizing it a person can let their memories constantly navigate the present. This talk gets me confused really. For me, remembering even a small fraction of my past makes me who I am today. There must be some reason I can remember eating french fries from Church's in the backseat of my grandmother's Cadillac or putting my tooth under my pillow for the fairy.
Isn't it intriguing what we remember and how often we recall things from the past all while living in the present? Again I'm confused.
I like to remember... while still going ahead.
"Blue Sage"
Some of my memories of the house are the birthday parties like the Dress Up Like Mommy one, the holidays, the time my sister and I spent playing make believe when I was her little Piglet, or playing with our gerbils in the sun room and the pac-man machine in the garage. Then there was the bike riding in the driveway, the time I looked in the hall mirror and discovered my eyes had suddenly changed from blue to green. I can also remember sitting at the dinner table, taking bubble baths in my parents' bathtub and bumping up and down the steps(no Mom we didn't fall through the cracks).
My memories of the house on Blue Sage include so much more than the stones and beams and walls of the home. But remembering the house for me keeps a part of the past somehow more present, if that even makes sense. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I like remembering things. Often we take for granted our memory because it seems like our past is almost present. We can recall images and feelings; see pieces of our own histories play out in our minds and be reminded with just a thought of someone we once knew. When we want to and our health allows us we can figuratively take a walk down memory lane with almost no effort at all. It's like magic to me.
Of course, remembering the past can for some people be both a blessing and a curse. Things may happen that would be better forgotten. Or, without even realizing it a person can let their memories constantly navigate the present. This talk gets me confused really. For me, remembering even a small fraction of my past makes me who I am today. There must be some reason I can remember eating french fries from Church's in the backseat of my grandmother's Cadillac or putting my tooth under my pillow for the fairy.
Isn't it intriguing what we remember and how often we recall things from the past all while living in the present? Again I'm confused.
I like to remember... while still going ahead.
"Blue Sage"Saturday, April 14, 2012
Lindsay Likes...To Take Breaks!
I know it's been forever. I think of things I want to write all of the time but somehow my words don't make it onto this blog. What can I say, Lindsay likes to take breaks.
Check back soon! I think I've had enough time off!
Yep I'm not lazy or unmotivated but I do like a nice long break!!
Check back soon! I think I've had enough time off!
Yep I'm not lazy or unmotivated but I do like a nice long break!!
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Lindsay Likes...to be Reminded
Some days I don't check off a single thing from my "to do list." Some weeks I may accomplish one thing and that could be paying a bill. While other weeks I may decide to completely clean out my closets, sweep out the garage, write two blog entries, make several appointments and plans and workout five days a week. The point is I like my to do list and I like the sticky note reminders in my messy purse telling me what I have to do, what I should do and what I might just want to do. And, besides the dumb to do lists and sticky notes that seem to creep up everywhere, I like when other people remind me of things.
Oh no, I don't like to be told what to do, I just like when things are brought to my attention. It's very nice to have someone catch me when I get all serious and intense and forget to smile or when I unconsciously raise my eyebrows and and open my mouth in disdain, horror or suspicion for a reason that doesn't call for such a big reaction. Maybe these qualities are just part of me and aren't supposed to be changed but regardless I like to learn more about myself. Don't we all lose sight of the kinds of actions and reactions we play out each day. The things we do and say and the way we act are often so routine someone else has got to remind us of the parts of ourselves we don't even see.
Of course, over the years we learn who we are and what we are like as we live, mature and experience new things. During this process, we develop our personalities, our strengths, learn to recognize our weaknesses and perhaps even face our fears. We may not need someone to tell us who we are, but it never hurts to be reminded of what we forget or what we fail to see. I like to be reminded to not worry, to stand up straight, to be confident and decisive. And, I like it when others remind me that I'm nice or loyal or cute! Don't we all need to a little pick me up here and there.
For me I also like to be reminded of how my actions effect others. Because at the end of the day how we act does make a difference to other people. If we take the time to say hello to someone we haven't seen in a while or to offer a helping hand to a friend in need, don't we all like to see a smile on the other person's face or to be embraced with a appreciative hug. Sure, we like to be reminded that our presence, our friendship or our time are meaningful to others.
Everyone sees themselves in a certain light; some think of themselves more highly than others. Some see themselves as something they are not and some of us constantly see different versions of ourselves. I like when people remind me of the stuff I know, the stuff I don't, and I especially like when people remind me of the things I forget!
I remind you to smile, to laugh, to be confident, to learn, to do the things that make you happy and to always remind others of the things they forget (and I don't just mean their car keys)!
Write it on a sticky note, tell me to my face, or show me what you want me to know because I like to be reminded.
Oh no, I don't like to be told what to do, I just like when things are brought to my attention. It's very nice to have someone catch me when I get all serious and intense and forget to smile or when I unconsciously raise my eyebrows and and open my mouth in disdain, horror or suspicion for a reason that doesn't call for such a big reaction. Maybe these qualities are just part of me and aren't supposed to be changed but regardless I like to learn more about myself. Don't we all lose sight of the kinds of actions and reactions we play out each day. The things we do and say and the way we act are often so routine someone else has got to remind us of the parts of ourselves we don't even see.
Of course, over the years we learn who we are and what we are like as we live, mature and experience new things. During this process, we develop our personalities, our strengths, learn to recognize our weaknesses and perhaps even face our fears. We may not need someone to tell us who we are, but it never hurts to be reminded of what we forget or what we fail to see. I like to be reminded to not worry, to stand up straight, to be confident and decisive. And, I like it when others remind me that I'm nice or loyal or cute! Don't we all need to a little pick me up here and there.
For me I also like to be reminded of how my actions effect others. Because at the end of the day how we act does make a difference to other people. If we take the time to say hello to someone we haven't seen in a while or to offer a helping hand to a friend in need, don't we all like to see a smile on the other person's face or to be embraced with a appreciative hug. Sure, we like to be reminded that our presence, our friendship or our time are meaningful to others.
Everyone sees themselves in a certain light; some think of themselves more highly than others. Some see themselves as something they are not and some of us constantly see different versions of ourselves. I like when people remind me of the stuff I know, the stuff I don't, and I especially like when people remind me of the things I forget!
I remind you to smile, to laugh, to be confident, to learn, to do the things that make you happy and to always remind others of the things they forget (and I don't just mean their car keys)!
Write it on a sticky note, tell me to my face, or show me what you want me to know because I like to be reminded.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Lindsay Likes...Quotes
I like inspiring and uplifting quotes. They appeal to my "deep side" - the reflective, analytical, creative part of me that shows up some days more than others. On many a restless night I've pulled out my personal book of quotes, a collection of some of my favorite words. When my head gets stuck on some senseless tangent or moves in too many directions late at night, I open my book of quotes and a sense of calmness comes over me.
On a few occasions over the years, unbeknownst to people, I've taken their wise memorable words and written them down in my little book. For the first time I'll share them:
A friend once told me, "High hopes can kill morale if not adjusted to fit the reality of now."
"Enjoy learning, but always leave room to play, thus the soul needs that too." ~Mom
Words my grandmother remembered her mother-in-law saying, "Thoughts are things-when you think good things, good things happen." ~Granny Leibs
I used to collect quote books and would enjoy reading people's words. Some I even know by memory:
"Character is doing what is right when no one is around."
"We are what we repeatedly do, excellence, then, is not an act but a habit."
"I'm a slow walker, but I never walk back."
I like words that have depth and meaning and I'm sort of the same way with people. The right words can offer encouragement, a new perspective, a reminder, or even be that voice we don't want to hear. Sometimes someone else's words (even a person we may not know) offer something we cannot find elsewhere. Perhaps a little pick me up sans the caffeine or maybe even a reminder to think about things that matter and not dwell on the things that don't.
I like quotes...maybe because I like words (but that's another topic).
On a few occasions over the years, unbeknownst to people, I've taken their wise memorable words and written them down in my little book. For the first time I'll share them:
A friend once told me, "High hopes can kill morale if not adjusted to fit the reality of now."
"Enjoy learning, but always leave room to play, thus the soul needs that too." ~Mom
Words my grandmother remembered her mother-in-law saying, "Thoughts are things-when you think good things, good things happen." ~Granny Leibs
I used to collect quote books and would enjoy reading people's words. Some I even know by memory:
"Character is doing what is right when no one is around."
"We are what we repeatedly do, excellence, then, is not an act but a habit."
"I'm a slow walker, but I never walk back."
I like words that have depth and meaning and I'm sort of the same way with people. The right words can offer encouragement, a new perspective, a reminder, or even be that voice we don't want to hear. Sometimes someone else's words (even a person we may not know) offer something we cannot find elsewhere. Perhaps a little pick me up sans the caffeine or maybe even a reminder to think about things that matter and not dwell on the things that don't.
I like quotes...maybe because I like words (but that's another topic).
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Lindsay Likes...To Dress Up
Lately I've been bumming around a little more than usual. Barely combing my hair, wearing minimal to no makeup and dressing in workout attire (well some days I wear the oh so trendy lululemon-you could call those days workout professional). There's something to be said for comfortable casual clothes especially when it's about 110 degrees everyday. It's nice to just throw something on and be done. And let's face it, these days people go to parties dressed in what my Grandmother wouldn't even wear to the grocery store. BUT (you knew there was a but coming), when the occasion or activity calls for it or even if I'm just in the mood, I'm all for dressing up.
Maybe you'll disagree, but when you put on nice clothes you look like someone a little more special. I also find that people will take you a bit more seriously when you dress more upscale. You may even be able to smile, click your heels together and get something out of someone that you could never so easily gain in your workout clothes. I find this to be especially true for men in suites. However, a suite on a dud of a guy with no personality and G-d forbid no good looks either--well the dressing up thing just might not help him (but I digress). The point is I like dressing up not just because it helps to charm people but also because it just really makes me happy.
How many times has my sister looked at my outfit on just some run of the mill day and said to me, "Are you going to a party?" Believe me this almost never happens anymore. Apparently I'm the kind of person that would wear high heels to the grocery store just because. I mean my Great Aunt Norma at age 93 still wears them all over, (grocery store included) so why not! In reality, I don't usually dress up for no reason, but I like to find reasons to wear the clothes from the "fun and cute" section of the closet even if I'm not going to a party.
I remember some of the pretty dresses I've worn over the years. My earliest memory of dressing up was when I was five and I was in a fashion show with my Mom. I wore an adorable dress that my Great Grandmother had made for my Mom years before. Now fast forward many years later to my Senior Prom. Some girls would probably want to vomit if they had to wear their Prom dress again, but for me I would welcome the occasion (bearing in mind it just may not fit anymore). In my opinion the dress I wore was beautiful, classic, sophisticated and glamorous. Wearing the dress, I felt distinguished and giddy, and yes I had an above average looking date (Richard you better read this). Hmmm, I just may have to pull that gown out of the closet and play "dress up" the next time I'm in OKC. Oh yes, in the Bendorf house you keep these memorable classic garments!
Besides the happiness and fun they bring, and the charm they help to convey, dressy clothes make everyone look better. Most of the time, when we wear our nicer attire, we take a little more pride in combing our hair for example, or us women spend a few more minutes with the mascara wand and eyeliner. We want our faces and our hair to match our clothes. We want to be a complete package. It does help to be tan, have killer toned arms and legs and a firm butt, however perfection isn't what's important. I'm happy to know that if I try I can clean up nicely. We all can.
Although what's on the outside isn't the end all be all, and whether we wear casual clothes, old workout gear or the most beautiful fancy ball gown, we are still the same person. If you're naturally charming then you're a charmer. If you're classy in the way you live then you're classy. I'm sure you know this but our clothes don't define us, but dressing up just might make us a little more fun, a little happier, and a bit more confident. Dressing up isn't for everyone and that's OK. But, I'll tell you a little secret...
Me, I like to dress up.
Maybe you'll disagree, but when you put on nice clothes you look like someone a little more special. I also find that people will take you a bit more seriously when you dress more upscale. You may even be able to smile, click your heels together and get something out of someone that you could never so easily gain in your workout clothes. I find this to be especially true for men in suites. However, a suite on a dud of a guy with no personality and G-d forbid no good looks either--well the dressing up thing just might not help him (but I digress). The point is I like dressing up not just because it helps to charm people but also because it just really makes me happy.
How many times has my sister looked at my outfit on just some run of the mill day and said to me, "Are you going to a party?" Believe me this almost never happens anymore. Apparently I'm the kind of person that would wear high heels to the grocery store just because. I mean my Great Aunt Norma at age 93 still wears them all over, (grocery store included) so why not! In reality, I don't usually dress up for no reason, but I like to find reasons to wear the clothes from the "fun and cute" section of the closet even if I'm not going to a party.
I remember some of the pretty dresses I've worn over the years. My earliest memory of dressing up was when I was five and I was in a fashion show with my Mom. I wore an adorable dress that my Great Grandmother had made for my Mom years before. Now fast forward many years later to my Senior Prom. Some girls would probably want to vomit if they had to wear their Prom dress again, but for me I would welcome the occasion (bearing in mind it just may not fit anymore). In my opinion the dress I wore was beautiful, classic, sophisticated and glamorous. Wearing the dress, I felt distinguished and giddy, and yes I had an above average looking date (Richard you better read this). Hmmm, I just may have to pull that gown out of the closet and play "dress up" the next time I'm in OKC. Oh yes, in the Bendorf house you keep these memorable classic garments!
Besides the happiness and fun they bring, and the charm they help to convey, dressy clothes make everyone look better. Most of the time, when we wear our nicer attire, we take a little more pride in combing our hair for example, or us women spend a few more minutes with the mascara wand and eyeliner. We want our faces and our hair to match our clothes. We want to be a complete package. It does help to be tan, have killer toned arms and legs and a firm butt, however perfection isn't what's important. I'm happy to know that if I try I can clean up nicely. We all can.
Although what's on the outside isn't the end all be all, and whether we wear casual clothes, old workout gear or the most beautiful fancy ball gown, we are still the same person. If you're naturally charming then you're a charmer. If you're classy in the way you live then you're classy. I'm sure you know this but our clothes don't define us, but dressing up just might make us a little more fun, a little happier, and a bit more confident. Dressing up isn't for everyone and that's OK. But, I'll tell you a little secret...
Me, I like to dress up.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Lindsay Likes...Surprises (Good Ones)
Surprise I'm writing...I won't even try to explain my absence. I'm out of practice for sure. The first draft of this post got deleted too. UGH. But, here goes.
There's something to be said for a little unpredictability. A step away from the day to day monotony we all know so well. A random activity added to the mix; a slice of grasshopper pie in winter; an unforcasted snow storm. One of my most favorite forms of unpredictability is a good old fashioned surprise. Like when Dad came home from work with a wax paper bag filled with a fresh flaky delicious cinnamon roll just because. Or, when a friend treated me to a manicure and pedicure for no special occasion at all.
My most memorable birthday party was a surprise. One of the best dates I've been on was a surprise to a concert. Getting into SMU for law school, well that's still a shocking surprise. Often the result of another person's thoughtfulness, a good surprise gives me the kind of feeling you get when you laugh so hard that you cry. I feel bouncy, cheery and smiley. Yeah, a good surprise gives me a kick, sort of like a kid in a candy store.
Truly, there's something to be said for going off your normal course. Believe me I like some order to things, but sometimes I enjoy not knowing what's next or what's coming my way. A surprise bouquet of sunflowers, an unknown dinner menu (so long as it's not too crazy), a few cookies or even a phone call from an old friend...these are just some of the surprises I remember.
I like surprises (good ones). For example, I didn't so much care for the nasty roach that surprised me in my bed once. You get my point. There's good surprises and the not so positive ones. Call me spoiled, but I prefer the good ones.
There's something to be said for a little unpredictability. A step away from the day to day monotony we all know so well. A random activity added to the mix; a slice of grasshopper pie in winter; an unforcasted snow storm. One of my most favorite forms of unpredictability is a good old fashioned surprise. Like when Dad came home from work with a wax paper bag filled with a fresh flaky delicious cinnamon roll just because. Or, when a friend treated me to a manicure and pedicure for no special occasion at all.
My most memorable birthday party was a surprise. One of the best dates I've been on was a surprise to a concert. Getting into SMU for law school, well that's still a shocking surprise. Often the result of another person's thoughtfulness, a good surprise gives me the kind of feeling you get when you laugh so hard that you cry. I feel bouncy, cheery and smiley. Yeah, a good surprise gives me a kick, sort of like a kid in a candy store.
Truly, there's something to be said for going off your normal course. Believe me I like some order to things, but sometimes I enjoy not knowing what's next or what's coming my way. A surprise bouquet of sunflowers, an unknown dinner menu (so long as it's not too crazy), a few cookies or even a phone call from an old friend...these are just some of the surprises I remember.
I like surprises (good ones). For example, I didn't so much care for the nasty roach that surprised me in my bed once. You get my point. There's good surprises and the not so positive ones. Call me spoiled, but I prefer the good ones.
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